NFL Week 8: Latest Injury Updates for Every Marquee Player

Last weekend's injury rampage left more than a few NFL teams scrambling for answers heading into the second half of the season. Season-ending injuries to star players can derail playoff hopes quicker than just about anything else in the league.

There were a few noteworthy injuries suffered in Week 8 too, but thankfully the tally isn't nearly as devastating as the one we saw a week ago.

Here's a look at the marquee players who were banged up this week, along with the latest updates on their statuses.

Fisher needed Stacy late in the game, as the Rams got to the goal line in the final seconds and needed to score. Without big back Stacy, Kellen Clemens opted to throw an incomplete pass to end the game.

Sidney Rice, WR, Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks were held in the check during the first half of their Monday Night Football divisional affair with the St. Louis Rams.

Seattle also lost one of its main contributors in the aerial assault led by Russell Wilson when receiver Sidney Rice left the contest with a knee injury. The Seahawks' official Twitter account quickly confirmed Rice would miss the rest of the game:

Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III was held out of the final minutes of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos after getting hammered to the turf while throwing his second interception of the game.

UPDATE: Oct. 28 at 11:55 a.m. ET by Rob Goldberg

While the original injury looked scary, it appears as though Griffin will be just fine going forward. Mike Jones of the Washington Post quotes the quarterback after the game:

The knee feels fine. I’m not sure which D-tackle it was. I think it was Knighton, who came in and landed all 300-plus pounds of himself on my leg and I think it really just scared me. After the docs checked me, I was fine and ready to go back in the game. I talked with Mike and Kirk was out there already, and we just thought it was smart to keep me off the field and just be ready to go next week.

---End of Update---

As noted by Albert Breer of NFL.com, he was seen being looked at by trainers, who were checking out his left knee, which isn't the same as the one he injured last season:

Robert Griffin III on the trainer's table, getting his left knee checked out.

Griffin III made an attempt to get back into the game after the Redskins picked off Payton Manning with just over four minutes remaining in regulation. However, the game was already out of hand in favor of Denver, and the Redskins weren't going to take any chances with Griffin III's health.

Julius Thomas, TE, Denver Broncos

Julius Thomas has become one of the NFL's best tight ends in a short period of time, playing alongside Peyton Manning, but he was forced to leave Sunday's game in the second half against the Washington Redskins.

As noted by the Broncos on Twitter, he was listed as questionable to return to the game, but he never did make it back onto the field:

TE Julius Thomas has an ankle injury. His return is questionable. #WASvsDEN

Duke Ihenacho, S, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have struggled to stop opposing teams from making big plays through the air this season, and the team will have an even harder time after safety Duke Ihenacho was hurt on Sunday at home against the Washington Redskins.

As noted by NFL: AroundTheLeague, his leg was twisted awkwardly on a play in the first half. He struggled to put weight on the leg, but he was able to walk back into the locker room, as noted by ESPN's Cecil Lammey:

It's no surprise that the Redskins were able to drive down the field and score a touchdown right before halftime as soon as Ihenacho left the game. He's an invaluable member of Denver's defense, and the team will struggle to replace him if he misses much time.

Brandon Gibson, WR, Miami Dolphins

One of the top offensive weapons for the Miami Dolphins is likely out for the season.

Wide receiver Brandon Gibson caught a touchdown pass on Miami's first offensive possession, but he exited the game before halftime with what is believed to be a torn patellar tendon—likely a season-ending injury, as noted by Albert Breer of NFL.com:

Vick was ineffective before getting pulled in favor of Matt Barkley. He threw a horrible interception early and fumbled the ball before leaving the field of play, and the Eagles really struggled to move the ball while he was in the game.

After a trip to the locker room, Ansah came back to the team's sideline without a helmet and looked uncomfortable when testing his ankle, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported from the stadium:

Ansah just came out of the locker room, no helmet. It would appear his day is done.

Claiborne is a key defender for Dallas. His ability to re-direct receivers at the line of scrimmage in man coverage, combined with his skills as a zone defender, allow the Cowboys to attack opposing offenses a number of different ways.

Jamarca Sanford, Minnesota Vikings

A rough season keeps getting worse for the Minnesota Vikings. Starting safety Jamarca Sanford had been averaging more than seven tackles per game, but came up with a groin injury against the Green Bay Packers.

Sanford was listed questionable to return at the time of the injury:

TAFOYA: Jamarca Sanford questionable to return with a groin injury. He's doing some running on the sideline now